Federal Judge to CPS: Not So Fast

Surprising news out of Chicago today as a federal judge has ordered Chicago Public Schools to rescind the layoffs of 700 tenured teachers. The layoffs came over the summer amid an intense battle between the school district and the teachers union over pay, benefits and layoffs.

The judge ruled that the firings, which were issued without regard for tenure or seniority, violated the district’s contract with the union. While CPS CEO Ron Huberman was allowed to fire teachers based on performance, the judge found that most of the 700 teachers had been rated superior, excellent or satisfactory by the district.